A search has been launched after contact with an air ambulance that left the island early this morning was lost.

The United States Coast Guard has confirmed that air and surface crews were searching this morning for a Gulfstream G100 jet, registration C‑GRJP, which was carrying six people from Bermuda to Boston.

A spokeswoman from Skyport said this morning: “Skyport can confirm that a Canadian-registered air ambulance departed LF Wade International Airport for Boston at approximately 12.41am on October 3 with six souls on board, including four crew members and two passengers.

“The US Federal Aviation Administration has advised that air traffic controllers subsequently lost contact with the aircraft off the coast of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, and a search is currently under way.

“Skyport has no further information to provide at this time.”

The search area was described as “off the coast of Nantucket”, with the investigation including crews from Air Station Cape Cod, a 47ft motor lifeboat crew from Station Brant Point and the USCGC William Sparling.

The aircraft was reportedly expected to arrive at Boston Logan International Airport at 1.30am, but did not.

Massport, which operates the Boston airport, said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with those on board and their loved ones as the search continues.”

Flight tracking website Flightradar24.com said the missing aircraft was owned by Latitude Air Ambulance, based out of Hamilton Ontario, which is understood to have regularly operated flights from Bermuda.

Clarence Togeretz, the director of flight operations for Latitude Air Ambulance, told NBC News: “We always get rather concerned when our crew doesn’t report to us in a timely manner, but I will say that again, optimistically and positively, that doesn’t mean that the worst has happened.”

He also told the news outlet that there was an emergency response plan in place “absolutely for anything that might occur to any of our missions”.

Flighradar24 this morning showed coast guard aircraft searching an area immediately south of Nantucket.

David Burt, the Premier, said that the Government has been in contact with the families of those on board and remains in contact with the overseas authorities carrying out the search.

He added: “My thoughts are with everyone on board and their families during this deeply worrying time.

“We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing efforts.”

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.